Zambia gripped by election drama: Hichilema declared winner amid opposition's legal battle and calls for peace

President Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected for a second term in the 2026 Zambian presidential election, securing a decisive victory with 2,967,326 votes, or 60.7 percent. His main challenger, National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, garnered 1,856,217 votes, or 38 percent, a difference of over 1.1 million votes. President Hichilema described the campaigns as tough but affirmed that Zambians chose stability and progress, promising to continue with economic development through hard work.

Following the declaration by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), President Hichilema delivered a conciliatory acceptance speech, expressing gratitude to the nation for preserving democracy and to the ECZ for a credible election. He emphasized that the outcome must be respected as the will of the people and committed to non-discriminatory treatment for all citizens, regardless of their vote. His administration's policies, including free education and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), will continue to reach all parts of the country without segregation. Hichilema noted that 2.6 million children have already returned to school and highlighted efforts in debt restructuring to better serve citizens, viewing his re-election as a show of confidence in his team's economic agenda. He pledged to continue growing the economy, expanding investment, and urged public servants to prioritize national interest and redefine service delivery through results, not just hours worked. He strongly warned against lawlessness and militia tactics, asserting that such conduct has no place in Zambia's democracy and that stability is essential for development.

Brian Mundubile, however, has rejected the ECZ's declaration, insisting he did not lose the election and alleging serious irregularities in the electoral process, particularly in Southern, North-Western, and Western Provinces. He plans to challenge the results in court, citing his Parallel Voter Tabulation (PVT) and data from his G20 teams as evidence of a rigged election. Munir Zulu, a figure within the TONSE PAMODZI Alliance, confirmed the opposition's intention to petition the presidential results in the Constitutional Court, urging supporters to remain calm and peaceful despite the defeat.

Adding to the post-election tension, several NRPUP figures have faced security-related scrutiny. Brian Mundubile claims he was forced into hiding at premises belonging to a United Nations agency in Lusaka after unknown men allegedly broke into his property and opened fire, fearing arrest in connection with an investigation into an alleged militia network. He and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, have been out of public communication. NRPUP presidential spokesperson, George Chisanga, was allegedly detained at Chelstone Police Station without family notification or charges, prompting his family to file a habeas corpus application with the High Court. Concerns were also raised about the whereabouts and condition of former Lunte lawmaker Mutotwe Kafwaya, who Mundubile personally witnessed being shot during an incident. Authorities have previously linked several NRPUP figures to investigations involving alleged illegal military training and weapons, allegations the opposition disputes, accusing security agencies of targeting its members.

Internally, a senior NRPUP figure, Chris Zumani Zimba, the party’s chief presidential adviser and Tonse architect, openly acknowledged the election defeat. He stated that ECZ’s declaration must be recognized unless legally overturned and urged Mundubile to